Keane to stay at United

Manchester United FC midfield player and club captain Roy Keane has agreed a new four-year deal with the FA Premiership club.

Extended deal
The Republic of Ireland international has agreed to extend his current contract just two days after United manager Sir Alex Ferguson signed a three-year deal of his own with the English Champions.

'Delighted to be staying'
"I'm delighted to be staying at United and I'm looking forward to enjoying even more success with the team over the next few years," he said. "I would like to thank the club and my solicitor, Michael Kennedy, for making the whole process of negotiating my new contract go so smoothly."

'This is great news'
Ferguson is thrilled that the player, who for him sums up all that is good about United, is staying. "This is great news," he said. "Roy is an unbelievable player whose leadership, passion and drive epitomise the best qualities of Manchester United. I'm really pleased to have Roy on board for another four years."

Superb achievement
The contract will keep Keane at United until June 2006, by which time he will be 34. Keane, whose current deal was due to expire in June 2003, has won almost every honour in the game since joining United from Nottingham Forest FC in 1993. His new agreement will entitle him to a testimonial in 2003 when he will have clocked up ten years at the club.

Youngsters sign up
Meanwhile, United have also announced that highly-rated duo John O'Shea and Michael Stewart have signed new deals. Centre-back O'Shea, who has already been capped by the Republic of Ireland, and Scottish midfielder Stewart, have agreed four-year deals.

Champions League future
United play FC Bayern München in their next UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford on 13 March, and play their final game in Group A away at Boavista FC.